INSIDER’S GUIDE

Audition
and Interview
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Table of Contents

4 TELL YOUR STORY

5 WHAT TO EXPECT

8 YOUR AUDITION

9 Live Prepared Piece

12 Improvisation

14 Sight Reading

16 Ear Training

18 ONLINE AUDITIONS

19 YOUR INTERVIEW

22 WHAT TO BRING

23 FINAL TIPS

24 CONTACT US
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Every Bachelor of Music

applicant completes a live
audition and interview
as part of their Berklee
application.

Tell Your Story
Through our audition and interview
process, we’ll learn about who you
are as a musician, what you want
to do in the future, and how you
plan to get there. It’s an immersive
experience that celebrates your life,
your talents, and your aspirations.
This is a space for you to be your
100% authentic self and to share
your biggest dreams. We encourage
you to really take hold of your
identity as an artist by sharing what
music means to you, how it led you
here, and where it will take you next.
PRO TIP: The strength
of your audition and
interview is taken into
consideration when
we award merit-based
scholarships, so we
recommend preparing
early using the tips you’ll
find in this document.
4
THE WHOLE PICTURE
Berklee’s application process
includes:
1. Application form
2. Audition and interview
3. Supplemental materials
(e.g. transcripts)
Combined, they show us how your
creative, academic, and professional
experiences have prepared you for
a Berklee education.
SCHEDULING
YOUR AUDITION
After you submit your application
form, we’ll schedule you for an
audition and interview based on the
preferred locations you selected.
Next, you’ll receive an email
invitation, which you must
confirm to reserve your spot.
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What to Expect PRO TIP: You have 15

minutes to complete your
audition including time for
Your warm-up time, audition, and setting up, so it’s best to
interview each take 15 minutes. keep your gear to just the
Altogether, the process takes about essentials.
one hour. Your family and friends are
welcome to join you, though they
won’t be able to accompany you in
the audition and interview room.

Even if you plan to pursue

a nonperformance major
such as music production,
therapy or education, you
still have to complete a live
audition and interview.

In your application, you will choose

one principal instrument with which
to audition. If you decide to change
your instrument before your audition,
you’ll need to connect with Berklee’s
Admissions team.
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WHAT DID YOUR FAMILY

THINK AFTER COMING TO
YOUR AUDITION?

“My dad came with me and

BOSTON AUDITIONS he was really happy to see
how friendly everyone at the
The majority of our in-person
audition was!”
auditions are held at our campus
–Laura Fan, Film Scoring
in Boston, Massachusetts. It’s a full
day of immersion into the Berklee
“The student ambassador
community, including information left a strong impression
sessions, student-led campus tours, on my parents, assuring
and a live student performance. them that I made the best
decision when auditioning
for Berklee.”
REGIONAL AUDITIONS
–Nico Ruggieri, Music
We offer regional auditions in over Business/Management
40 locations worldwide.

You’ll find us in venues

with rich musical history,
such as STAX Music
Academy in Memphis,
Tennessee; Premises
Studios in London,
England; and SIAM
Yamaha Headquarters in
Hamamatsu, Japan.

WHAT TO WEAR
Applicants often ask what to wear
to their Berklee College of Music
audition. Our answer? Whatever
feels like you! We don’t have
an audition dress code, but we
do suggest wearing something
that showcases who you are as
a musician and artist, so choose
something that you’re comfortable
in that also helps portray your style.
PRO TIP
“Wear anything that’s easy
to move in and makes
you feel good! I’ve seen
people audition in a t-shirt
and jeans, and others in a
full suit.” –Laura Fan
7
WHAT DID YOU WEAR TO YOUR AUDITION?
“I wore a button-down short-sleeved
shirt and some khakis. Whenever I
perform or play a live gig, I usually go
for a button-down, since I like to look
clean and represent myself as such.”
–Kyle Langlois, Performance
“I wore a nice sweater and black
jeans. Looking back on it now, I
think it was a great choice; not
too formal, but enough to let those
running the audition know
that I cared.”
–Zach Alfred-Levow,
Film Scoring and Music Therapy
“I wore Berklee colors! A red dress
shirt, casual black jeans. I thought
I would dress for the occasion,
just like artists dress for their
headlining tours.”
–Nico Ruggieri,
Music Business/Management
“I definitely chose something
comfortable rather than something
dressed up or formal like I did for my
classical auditions because I wanted
to be organically me.”
–Julia Jahng, Songwriting and Music
Production and Engineering
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Your Audition Your 15-minute audition comprises

four main parts:

At other colleges and conservatories, • A live prepared piece

you might audition for a full panel
of faculty from your instrument’s
• Improvisation
department. At Berklee, you’ll • Sight-reading
audition for just a few faculty
members who may or may not share • Ear training
the same instrument as you. This
means if you’re a vocalist, you might
Here we’ll break down each part so you
have the opportunity to improvise
know what to expect and how to prepare.
with an amazing saxophonist, or
if you’re a drummer, you may get
to jam with a fantastic bass player.
Whatever the mix, you’re sure
to audition for a select group of
experienced faculty members who
are excited to hear your music.

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER

YOU AUDITIONED?

“I felt really confident after my

audition/interview. Not because
I nailed every part, but because
I knew I did my best and that I
displayed who I really was rather
than a version of me that I thought
they would want to see.”
–Julia Jahng, Songwriting and
Music Production and Engineering

“I wasn’t nervous. I was smiling. I

felt like I had just put on the first
show of a national tour and played
an encore. I felt like a star at that
moment, and I knew I made the
right choice in pursuing music.”
–Nico Ruggieri, Music
Business/Management
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Live Prepared Piece

Choose one piece in any genre that is Recent auditioners have
three to five minutes long. We know it can
be difficult to pick the perfect piece, so we performed songs by a
recommend choosing something you’re diverse array of artists
comfortable performing that highlights your
current musical abilities. There is no need to from W.A. Mozart and
choose something extremely challenging
that might “impress” the faculty. We just want
Hiromi Motomiya to Wes
to hear what you can do well at this point in Montgomery and Jaco to
your musical journey.
Björk and Marta Gómez.
You may have heard that Berklee is a "jazz
school," and while it's true that we were
founded on jazz, our curriculum is distinctly
contemporary, and embraces the principal
musical movements of our time. That is
to say, there is no pressure to play a jazz
standard as your prepared piece! We want
to hear you perform something that shows
us how connected you are to the music,
whether that be a Mozart sonata, a Beatles
tune, or the newest Top 40 song. Something
that might even bring a smile to your face
(and ours).
 10

WHAT DID YOU PERFORM

FOR YOUR AUDITION?

“My piano teacher picked Liszt’s

‘Consolation No. 3 in D-Flat Major’ for me,
and I just felt a deep connection with it
right away. I was able to pour my heart and
soul into it, so I knew it was the one.”
–Zach Alfred-Levow,
Film Scoring and Music Therapy

“I auditioned with John Mayer’s ‘Why

Georgia.’ I wanted to showcase my guitar,
since I was auditioning as a guitarist,
but I also wanted to show off my voice
and singing.”
–Kyle Langlois, Performance

“I performed a short mashup of Top 40

hits and changed the genre of each song.
I thought about what makes me special on
my instrument, and it was that I
knew many styles.”
–Nico Ruggieri,
Music Business/Management

“I sang ‘She Used to Be Mine’ from the

musical Waitress. This song always
resonated with me and I had sung it on
multiple stages/auditions already, so I was
comfortable performing the song in front
of others. It also shows my range but
doesn’t push it too far, which I thought
was perfect for an audition.”
–Julia Jahng, Songwriting and Music
Production and Engineering

DO YOU PLAY AN ELECTRONIC
DIGITAL INSTRUMENT?
Berklee celebrates live music-making,
so you need to show us your ability
to perform, improvise, read, and hear
music live. You may not come to the
audition and press “play” for a song
that you created at an earlier date. This
lets us fully see your artistry and get a
feel for your technical abilities. Check
out our website to learn more about
auditioning on an electronic digital
instrument (EDI).
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SHOULD I
ACCOMPANY MYSELF?
Keep in mind that your
abilities on your principal
instrument are what we’re
assessing. For example, don’t
let fancy finger-picking impact
your vocal performance if
you’re auditioning on voice.
ARE YOU A SONGWRITER?
If so, you can choose to perform an
original piece, but be prepared to
perform an additional piece that is
a cover. We do want to hear your
songwriting style, but it’s equally
important for us to know that you can
fully learn a piece by another artist.

Improvisation
You will improvise live on your primary
instrument with the faculty conducting
the auditions. Improvisation gives us
a glimpse into how your musical mind
works, and gives you the opportunity
to have an exclusive jam session with
some of the best musicians in the world.
If you audition in person, our faculty
will play your backing music for you. If
you audition online, we will send you
digital backing tracks over which you’ll
improvise. Sometimes, if your internet
connection is strong, we will do live
comping for you.
12
Vocalists may improvise
using scat syllables (do, ba,
dot, etc.). You do not need to
make up lyrics on the spot.
PRO TIP
“I’m a classical musician and had
never done improv before. Just
try and keep going! The people
conducting the auditions at least
would love to see you try your
hardest if this isn’t something
you’re familiar with.” –Laura Fan
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There are various ways to practice

improvisation prior to your audition:

WHAT WAS THE IMPROVISATION

GET INSPIRED
A great place to start is by actively
listening to artists who have already
mastered the skill of improvisation,
such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, or
Buddy Rich. Find recordings of them
performing live and listen closely to their
inflections, musical phrasing, and how
they move with the music beneath them.
GET FAMILIAR
PART LIKE?
“In the drum set audition,
they asked me to play a
number of styles listed on the
website as well as improvising
over time. I tried to make
every note I played simple
and memorable.”
–Nico Ruggieri, Music
Business/Management

Start with one tune or song you already

“I felt that the faculty
know and play/sing it over and over
members were genuinely
again until you start naturally making interested in making a cool
changes to a few notes or rhythms. Over little bit of music for 30
time, you’ll develop more of an ear and seconds, so that really
feel for how to modify and create new engaged me!”
musical patterns in the moment. –Zach Alfred-Levow, Film
Scoring and Music Therapy
PUT IT TO PRACTICE
Listen to our provided backing tracks
and practice improvising over them.
You can first listen to them a few times,
then begin to sing or play what comes
naturally to you.
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Sight Reading
Yes, you’ll have to sing or play sheet
music for us, but don’t worry—it’s so
we can get an idea of your experience
with music (or drum) notation. The
examples start on the simpler side
and become increasingly more
challenging.

If you can’t read

music or have never
taken a theory class,
it’s okay.

This is just one part of your whole

audition, and we take all four sections
into consideration. If this isn’t your
top skill currently, but you excel in
the other sections of the audition,
you can still achieve a good overall
score. Many students come to Berklee
with strong skills in other areas and
improve their sight reading in the first
year through our core curriculum.
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HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY SIGHT

READING SKILLS?

“Read every day, even if it is a

piece or song that you know.
Find out where you are with
sight reading, and then take it up
a level. Push yourself to read harder
and harder music, and develop your
skills slowly.”
–Kyle Langlois, Performance

“When you have a new tune in front of

you, always look at some key elements:
style, key, time signature. From there,
practice the notes without rhythm and
practice just the rhythm without the
notes. Whichever is harder for you,
do that first! For me, I practice the
notes first. In the beginning, practice
everything slowly. Even if it’s ‘written’ in
the music, they would never ask you to
sight read something at 210 bpm!”
–Laura Fan, Film Scoring

PRO TIP
“When you make reading
mistakes, the song must go on!
Staying in time and following
the tempo is more important
than a missed note in sight
reading.” –Nico Ruggieri
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Ear Training
During this part of the audition,
you’ll listen to melodic and rhythmic
phrases then repeat them back on your
instrument/voice or by clapping.

PRACTICE AT HOME
Download an ear training app such as
Earpeggio, Teoria, or Tenuto and go
through the exercises.

Have a teacher, friend, or family

member play a pitch for you from a
melodic instrument (such as piano or
guitar) and sing the pitch back to them.
Over time, add more notes and sing up
to six or seven pitches back to them.

Be sure to practice
singing/playing back
melodies as well as
identifying chord
qualities (major,
minor, augmented,
and diminished).

PRO TIP
“If you search ‘interval music’
in the app store, there are
some good apps that help
you learn how the different
intervals sound if that’s
something you’re not familiar
with.” –Zach Alfred-Levow
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To build your ear

training, reading, and
improvisational skills,
check out our free
online courses taught
by Berklee faculty.

WHAT WAS THE EAR TRAINING

PORTION LIKE?
“The professors made sure I understood
what key we were in, gave me the starting
note, and even assured me that I
didn’t have to sing it on solfege.”
–Julia Jahng, Songwriting and Music
Production and Engineering
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Online Auditions
Our online auditions function exactly like
our in-person version, except you’ll be
at home and our faculty and staff will be
in Boston. These events are completed
from the comfort of your own space using
the Zoom video chat platform, so you’ll
complete both sections through a live
video chat.

In the online audition,

you’ll complete the same
four components as you
would in person.

On your big day, you’ll check in to a virtual

waiting room where you’ll be able to chat
with others who are auditioning. When it’s
your time, you’ll receive a link to your online
audition and interview rooms where you’ll
meet Berklee faculty and staff members.

The online waiting room

is proctored by a Berklee
staff member, so there
will be someone available
if you have any questions.

All auditions and interviews are the same

regardless of where you audition. Your
scores will not be lower if you choose to
audition somewhere other than Boston.
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Your Interview
During your interview, an Admissions
representative will ask you questions
that will help us learn about your musical
background and creative interests. In
about 15 minutes, we’ll discuss how
you’ve prepared for Berklee's core music
curriculum and what specific goals you
have in mind for your future career. It’s
an opportunity for you to share what you
love most about music and why you want
to make it a part of your life.

Basically, we want to hear

you nerd out about music.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART ABOUT

YOUR INTERVIEW?

“The staff makes you feel so

comfortable, and they really want
to hear about you and your goals.”
–Julia Jahng, Songwriting and
Music Production and Engineering

Here are four sample questions to help you prepare for
your interview. We suggest practicing with family or
friends so that you feel grounded when you’re in the live
interview. Just like practicing music, the more you speak
your answers aloud, the better they’ll come out when it’s
time to chat with someone from Berklee.
PRO TIP
“Eye contact really goes a long
way, and please make sure to
thank your interviewer (as well
as the people in charge of the
audition).” –Zach Alfred-Levow
20
1. HOW HAVE YOU
PREPARED FOR BERKLEE?
Be prepared to speak about your
musical expertise as well as other
areas like school clubs, volunteerism,
extracurricular interests, etc.
2. WHAT ARE YOUR
PROFESSIONAL/CAREER GOALS?
We want to know that you’ve thought
about your future plans, including which
major you’re interested in and what job
you’d like to have after graduation.
3. WHY DO YOU WANT TO
STUDY AT BERKLEE?
This is where you’ll share specific
examples about Berklee’s community,
curriculum, and resources that inspire
you to study here.
4. HOW WILL YOU
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR
DIVERSE COMMUNITY?
Tell us something unique about you
that others can benefit from, such as
leadership or professional experience.
5. WHY IS BEING A PART OF
AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Show us what you have to offer
Berklee’s dynamic and culturally
rich environment.
 21

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS WHAT SHOULD I KNOW

If English is not your first language,
we will assess your language skills
during the interview. Our focus is on
your ability to understand and answer
the questions we ask to ensure that
you will be successful completing
classes taught in English.
If we feel your language
BEFORE GOING INTO THE
INTERVIEW?
“Really think about what
type of musician you are,
your goals as a musician,
and everything you’ve done
related to music so far! Don’t
hold back in your interview!
Brag about yourself and be
proud of who you are.”
–Laura Fan, Film Scoring

skills would benefit

from extra practice, we
might require that you
complete our Music
and English Intensive
Program (MEIP).
 22

What to Bring INTERVIEW

AUDITION
Generally speaking, you’ll need
to bring your instrument, cables/
adapters, and accompaniment/
backing tracks. Check out this page
for your instrument-specific audition
day checklist.
If you need to use
a phone that has
something other than
an eighth-inch jack,
you must bring your
own dongle/adapter.
Many students find it helpful to
bring their résumé as a guide during
their interview. This is a helpful way
to remind yourself of all the great
things you've achieved (in case you
forget in the moment).
If you bring printed materials to your
interview, please note that we do not
accept them, so you'll need to take
them with you when you are finished.
If you'd like to
share your résumé
or samples of your
work, you must
submit them with
your application.
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FINAL TIPS
“BE YOU! Never ever compromise
who you are as a musician or person
in order to show the judges what
you think they want to see. Just
because Berklee is known for jazz/
contemporary music does not mean
you should adhere to it if it isn’t true
to who you are as an artist.”
–Julia Jahng, Songwriting and Music
Production and Engineering

“Berklee is a community that

collaborates, not competes. If you
want to compete, then you are
probably in the wrong place. If you
want to bring out your inner musician
to its fullest potential, then Berklee is
definitely going to be your home!”
–Kyle Langlois, Performance

“Your audition starts today. It is never

too early to start preparing for your
audition or interview. The judges will
know how much time and energy you
place into your audition. Be unique,
be yourself, and be proud of what
you’re doing.”
–Nico Ruggieri, Music Business/
Management
 24

After you finish your audition and

interview, the first thing we want you
to do is acknowledge the hard work
you put in to prepare for this moment.
It’s a big accomplishment—and that’s
something that should be celebrated.

Next, you’ll want to make sure your

transcripts and supplemental materials
are sent to us by the application
deadline. Then, relish the fact that
you just finished your audition and
interview for Berklee College of Music.
Take a deep breath—you’re done!

CONTACT US
auditions@berklee.edu
berklee.edu/audition-interview
+1 617-747-2579